When You Get the Chance

Millie Price, a musical theater enthusiast in New York City, dreams of attending a prestigious theater program after high school. When her father expresses hesitation about her plans, she launches a search to find her birth mother, who left when she was a baby. Using her father's old Facebook posts as clues, Millie identifies three potential women who could be her mother. She pursues leads across the city while juggling summer theater commitments and an unexpected connection with her rival, Oliver. Between auditions and family discoveries, Millie navigates complex relationships with her aunt, her best friend, and the various women she meets during her search. Her quest becomes intertwined with her theater world as she works to find answers before school decisions are due. This coming-of-age story explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the balance between pursuing dreams and accepting reality. The novel examines how the past shapes the present and how different types of love - romantic, familial, and artistic - influence life choices.

Readers describe this YA novel as a fun, light romance that appeals to musical theater fans. The story follows its theater-loving protagonist through New York City while weaving in Mamma Mia-inspired elements. Liked: - Fast-paced, upbeat tone - Theater references and Broadway setting - Complex family relationships - LGBTQ+ representation - Main character's determination and passion Disliked: - Main character comes across as self-centered and immature to some readers - Plot feels contrived at times - Romance develops too quickly - Theater references can be overwhelming for non-fans Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (300+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (100+ ratings) Reader quote: "Perfect for anyone who's ever dreamed of being on Broadway or wondered about their family history." - Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "The protagonist's selfishness made it hard to root for her success." - Amazon reviewer

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon A rivals-to-romance story follows two high school seniors through Seattle during a 24-hour scavenger hunt competition on their last day of school.

If I'm Being Honest by Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund-Broka A modern retelling of The Taming of the Shrew centers on a teen's journey to make amends with those she has wronged while unexpectedly finding romance.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter A rom-com enthusiast partners with her next-door neighbor to win over her long-time crush through elaborate schemes inspired by romantic comedies.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord Two teens engage in an anonymous Twitter war over their families' competing restaurants while developing a connection through their school's chat app.

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett A film buff moves across the country to find her online friend, unaware that her new workplace nemesis is the same person she's been searching for.

🎭 Like its protagonist Millie, author Emma Lord performed in musical theater during her high school years, lending authenticity to the story's theatrical elements. 🎵 The book features numerous references to Broadway musicals, particularly "Mamma Mia!" which serves as inspiration for the main character's quest to find her mother. 📍 The story takes place in New York City's vibrant theater district, showcasing real locations like the Professional Performing Arts School and iconic Broadway venues. 🌟 The novel pays homage to both "Mamma Mia!" and "23andMe" style DNA testing services, blending modern technology with classic theatrical storytelling. 👗 The main character's signature style includes wearing vintage concert t-shirts from the 1990s, reflecting the era when her mother would have been young and active in the theater scene.